In local school districts, students are continuing to make a difference in both their communities and beyond.
From representing their peers on school boards to receiving prestigious awards for their academic and athletic excellence, these young individuals are setting a high standard. Let’s look at some recent examples of student success in the region.
Jaiden Mir: Northport-East Northport Union Free School District’s First Student Representative
Jaiden Mir, a freshman from Northport High School, has been selected as the Student Representative for the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District Board of Education.
This role was chosen through a school-wide vote where Jaiden answered questions filmed by media arts students.
Though the student representative does not have voting power, they are present at public meetings, offering a student perspective to the Board.
Jaiden expressed his excitement about being the first to serve in this capacity and emphasized his commitment to representing the voice of his fellow students.
Flags for Freedom at Cold Spring Harbor Junior/Senior High School
On June 9, Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School hosted its annual Flags for Freedom ceremony. Graduating seniors were each presented with an American flag folded by underclassmen, symbolizing the sacrifices made for freedom.
The ceremony was made even more significant by the recent experiences of school leaders and students who participated in the 81st anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. This event highlighted the strong connection between the students and the sacrifices made by past generations.
Butch Dellecave Awards Recognize Suffolk County’s Best Student-Athletes
The Butch Dellecave Award Ceremony, held on June 8 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook, honored exceptional student-athletes from across Suffolk County.
This prestigious award recognizes those who excel in athletics, academics, and community service. This year, three winners were selected instead of the usual two, celebrating the program’s 25th anniversary.
The winners were:
- Anthony Raio from Half Hollow Hills High School West: A standout in both football and lacrosse, Raio broke records and contributed to his community.
- Jayden Stroman from Patchogue-Medford High School: A highly-rated baseball prospect with a powerful pitching arm and impressive hitting skills, Stroman is heading to Duke University on a full scholarship.
- Erin McDaid from Smithtown West High School: A dominant softball pitcher who led her team to numerous victories, McDaid is also a volunteer and plans to study political science at the College of Charleston.
Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony Honors Young Leaders
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County recently celebrated 55 students who earned the prestigious Gold Award, recognizing their community service projects. Each recipient spent over 80 hours working on projects that made a real impact.
The winners came from various towns, including Islip Terrace, Port Jefferson Station, East Northport, and Huntington. These young women’s dedication to their communities is a testament to the power of leadership and service.
The students in our local communities continue to prove that their influence extends far beyond the classroom. From serving on school boards to breaking athletic records and leading impactful community projects, these young leaders are shaping the future.
Their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to others, showing that age is no barrier to making a positive difference. As they continue their educational journeys, we can expect to see even more accomplishments from these promising individuals.
